As the Group CEO of Swish World Group, I address you today with a heavy heart. The violent race riots that have recently erupted across our beloved nation are deeply disturbing. These acts of hatred and violence not only tear at the fabric of our society but also undermine the core values that we, as Britons, hold dear.
Britain has faced dark times before. We have stood against the gravest threats and emerged victorious. As Winston Churchill once said, “We shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing grounds, we shall fight in the fields and in the streets, we shall fight in the hills; we shall never surrender.” This spirit of resilience, strength, and unwavering commitment to liberty and justice has carried us through the darkest hours of our history. The fascists of the past sought to divide us, but they failed. Britain is still here, and they are not. Liberty will never perish, and we will never surrender to the forces of hatred and division.
It is with profound sorrow that I remind you of the tragic loss of three young girls whose lives were brutally cut short by this senseless violence. Bebe King, just 6 years old; Elsie Dot Stancombe, 7 years old; and Alice Dasilva Aguiar, 9 years old, had their futures stolen and their dreams extinguished. We must honour their memories, not batter them with further hatred. As Churchill also reminded us, “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” Let us reflect on their lives and commit ourselves to building a society where such tragedies never happen again. We must give love, respect, and dignity to one another to make a life worth living.
At Swish World Group, we are steadfast in our commitment to justice. SwishJustice will never shy away from assisting the criminal justice system in identifying and prosecuting those who commit these heinous acts. We believe that justice must be served, and we will do everything in our power to support this cause. Those who perpetrate violence and hatred must be held accountable for their actions. “Let us therefore brace ourselves to our duties,” as Churchill would have urged, “and so bear ourselves that, if the British Empire and its Commonwealth last for a thousand years, men will still say, ‘This was their finest hour.'”
To those who lead this hate, hear this clearly: We have met people like you before, and Britain has always stood strong and won. You seek to sow discord and division, but you will fail, just as those before you have failed. We are a nation forged in the crucible of history, resilient and unyielding. Your hatred will not weaken us; it will only strengthen our resolve. Britain will stand strong against your efforts, united and determined to uphold the values of liberty, justice, and equality.
I must also condemn the role that social media platforms have played in this crisis. These platforms have allowed misinformation to spread unchecked, fueling the flames of violence and division. They have become breeding grounds for hatred, where false narratives and inflammatory rhetoric are amplified and disseminated with alarming speed. This irresponsibility must end. Social media companies must do more to combat the spread of lies and hateful content, taking immediate and effective action to prevent their platforms from being used as tools for violence and discord.
In these trying times, it is essential to recognize and applaud the tireless efforts of our emergency service workers. These brave men and women risk their lives daily to protect our communities from the scourge of hate. Their dedication, courage, and selflessness are a beacon of hope in these dark times. They embody the very best of us, and they deserve our deepest gratitude and respect. Churchill once said, “To each, there comes in their lifetime a special moment when they are figuratively tapped on the shoulder and offered the chance to do a very special thing, unique to them and fitted to their talents.” Our emergency service workers have seized this moment and risen to the occasion with unparalleled bravery.
As we navigate these turbulent waters, I am reminded of the words of another great leader, Margaret Thatcher, who said, “Where there is discord, may we bring harmony. Where there is error, may we bring truth. Where there is doubt, may we bring faith. And where there is despair, may we bring hope.” These words resonate deeply as we face the current crisis. We must strive to bring harmony, truth, faith, and hope to our communities, rejecting the discord and despair sown by those who seek to divide us.
Thatcher also reminded us, “The battle for freedom must be won anew in every generation.” We are now called upon to fight this battle once more. We must stand united against the forces of hatred and bigotry, ensuring that freedom and justice prevail for all. Let us remember that “Being powerful is like being a lady. If you have to tell people you are, you aren’t.” Our strength lies not in our words, but in our actions and our unwavering commitment to doing what is right.
In honour of the victims and as a mark of our collective grief, I call upon everyone to observe a two-minute silence at 7 p.m. this Wednesday. This moment of reflection will allow us to remember Bebe King, Elsie Dot Stancombe, and Alice Dasilva Aguiar, and to stand united in our commitment to peace and justice.
We find ourselves at a crossroads. The path we choose will define us as a nation. We can succumb to hatred and division, or we can rise above it, united in our commitment to a just and peaceful society. Let us choose the latter. Let us stand together, hand in hand, against the forces of hatred. “The empires of the future,” Churchill said, “are the empires of the mind.” Let us build an empire of unity, compassion, and resilience.
Together, we can and will overcome this. Together, we will ensure that liberty and justice prevail. Our shared future depends on our ability to come together as one people, united by our common humanity and our unwavering commitment to the values that define us.